Rating: T

Deathly Waters

Luffy jumped over the edge of the ship, chasing after some unseen object. He was heedless of the deadly water that waited for him below. He had to go in after him, he had no choice. It was his duty as first mate, as nakama. He plunged into the icy water, a voice just out of sight reaching his ears.

"I wouldn't do that swordsman-san."

Then he was under water searching for that red vest. It was nowhere to be seen however and genuine panic started to build in his chest. He broke through the surface gasping in air. A familiar laugh echoed across the open water and a flash of red went sailing by. Luffy landed on the deck with a huge grin. He was about to open his mouth to yell at his captain when suddenly something grabbed on to his legs, yanking him down.

He spat out the water, trying to break free of the grip and return to the surface. Yet as hard as he struggled he couldn't get free. It was as if there were hands everywhere. All over him pulling him under, deeper and deeper. Clear blue eyes were burned into his eyelids, everything darkening while those cobalt eyes seemed to only be getting brighter. Then all of a sudden the hands started to pull, to pull him up, dragging him closer and closer to the surface which loomed so far overhear.

The second he broke through he gasped in air, taking needy breath after breath until his lungs stropped screaming. He sensed a gaze on him and could practically feel that small smile that he knew oh so well. And as that smile washed over him the water warmed, no longer icy cold but the comfortable warmth of the cloud-sea on Sky Island. He climbed out of the water, getting onto the deck he was startled to find he was completely dry. He was staring down at his clothes in surprise when he heard that voice again.

"Not so bad after all right Swordsman-san."

When Zoro woke up his eyes immediately sought out the archaeologist. He found her by the tangerine grove reading a book. She turned to look at him and it was as if she could see into his subconscious.

"Did you have a good nap Swordsman-san?"